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Updated: May 15, 2025
Author Spotlight: Insights into Visual Cortex Research Through Wide-View fMRI Mapping
Published on: December 8, 2023
Neuroimaging in Neuro-Ophthalmology: Past, Present, and Future
Nailyn Rasool1, Matthew Barkovich
1Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology (NR) and Radiology (MB), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
Background:
Before 1895, all anatomic, pathologic, and functional understanding of the visual system was provided by postmortem studies. The advent of neuroimaging in 1895 with the development of X-ray technology enabled the living brain to be visualized, including the intraorbital and intracranial visual pathways. This has been augmented with the development of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography.
Evidence Acquisition:
A literature review of the history of neuroimaging of the visual axis was completed from the time of antiquity to the present day.
Results:
The ability to visualize intracranial and orbital anatomy has been completely transformed. Imaging the visual axis has become faster, easier, and more precise allowing earlier diagnosis and management of a multitude of neuro-ophthalmic conditions. As we look to the future of neuroimaging, there is momentum to improve techniques enabling the assessment of microstructural architecture, metabolic and functional changes, and genetic biomarkers of disease.
Conclusions:
The development of high-resolution, multiplanar neuroimaging revolutionized the ability to visualize neuro-ophthalmic anatomy and pathology. Continued research will expand our ability to integrate the metabolic, anatomic, and connectivity profiles of the visual system.
